Azerbaijan: Marching in Lockstep with Turkey in Cracking Down on Gulen

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (left) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016. As Erdogan responds to the failed coup attempt on July 15, Azerbaijan is embracing the Turkish government’s narrative that the botched putsch was orchestrated by followers of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. (Photo: Azerbaijani Presidential Press Service)

As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responds to the failed coup attempt on July 15, Azerbaijan is embracing the Turkish government’s narrative that the botched putsch was orchestrated by followers of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Among recent actions taken by Azerbaijan authorities is a clampdown on a Gulen-linked newspaper. Officials have also forced Qafqaz University, considered to be one of the best institutions of higher learning in the country, to sever connections with Gulen’s organization.

While Baku has not yet mimicked Ankara in designating the Gulen organization as a terrorist group, it is obvious that Ilham Aliyev’s administration has adopted wholesale the views espoused by Ankara. It thus is clear that political motives are behind Baku’s decision to restrict Gulen’s influence.

To read the full story

Eldar Mamedov is a political adviser to the Socialists & Democrats Group in the European Parliament. He writes in his personal capacity.

Azerbaijan: Marching in Lockstep with Turkey in Cracking Down on Gulen

Azerbaijan: Marching in Lockstep with Turkey in Cracking Down on Gulen

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (left) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet during the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016. As Erdogan responds to the failed coup attempt on July 15, Azerbaijan is embracing the Turkish government’s narrative that the botched putsch was orchestrated by followers of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. (Photo: Azerbaijani Presidential Press Service)